# Plastic Tax The plastic tax is a fiscal measure designed to reduce the production and use of (non-recycled) plastic, with the aim of decreasing the impact on the environment. This tax can be implemented in various ways, such as by imposing a levy on the production of plastic, on the sale of plastic products, or on the use of plastic packaging. [ ESG news ](https://www.meijburg.com/overigen/esg-news) [ ![](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/hero_banner_wide_f/public/2023-05/5_0.png) ](https://www.meijburg.com/overigen/esg-news) 1. [Home](https://www.meijburg.com/) 2. [Specialism](https://www.meijburg.com/specialism) 3. Plastic Tax ## What does plastic tax entail? What does plastic tax entail? Plastic tax is a levy imposed on the production, import, or sale of (non-recycled) plastic products, aiming to reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. This tax can take various forms, such as a charge on single-use plastics, plastic packaging, or products that are difficult to recycle. The ultimate goal is to encourage consumers and businesses to use less (non-recycled) plastic and choose more sustainable materials, contributing to environmental protection and pollution reduction. ## Why was the plastic tax introduced? The plastic tax was introduced for several reasons, primarily aimed at reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. Here are some key reasons: - Environmental Pollution: Plastic waste, especially single-use plastic, contributes to environmental pollution. Some of it ends up in the oceans, for example. - Encouraging Recycling: By taxing the use of non-recycled plastic, consumers and businesses are encouraged to seek alternatives and recycle more. - Awareness: The tax can also serve to raise public awareness about the problems caused by plastic. This can lead to behavioral changes, such as reducing the use of disposable plastics and opting for more sustainable choices. - Financial Incentives: The revenue from the plastic tax can be used to fund environmental projects. Through this tax, governments hope to reduce the negative impact of plastic on the environment and promote a more sustainable future. ## What does a plastic tax mean for your business? ![Plastic tax](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/detail_banner_xl/public/2024-03/plastic-tax-2.png) #### Higher additional costs More attention is now being paid to plastic products, not only at the European level but also globally. Many countries have been quick to introduce a plastic tax. The introduction of a plastic tax in the EU and in countries where companies are active or have production plants may see businesses confronted with high additional costs. ![Kostenstijging](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/detail_banner_xl/public/2024-03/plastic-tax-4.png) #### Cost increase The impact on businesses may vary from country to country, depending on the type of plastic tax. The direct effect is an increase in costs for affected manufacturers and importers as in-scope plastic products attract the plastic tax. ![Ontwikkelingen plastic tax](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/detail_banner_xl/public/2024-03/plastic-tax-7_0.png) #### Plastic taxes developments These cost increases can also have indirect consequences for the entire downward logistics chain. For example, companies that purchase plastic packaging or components, or consumers who buy plastic products. It is essential that companies stay abreast of developments surrounding plastic tax. [## Keep informed of important (ESG) tax and legal developments ### Register and receive our newsletters and invitations to events that are relevant to you. ](https://www.meijburg.com/keep-me-updated) [ Keep me updated ](https://www.meijburg.com/keep-me-updated) ## Need advice on plastic taxes? KPMG Meijburg & Co’s ESG specialists can help you design a climate strategy, which you can use to look ahead and promptly take action if necessary. You can also use this strategy to create operating value for your entire company. We also offer a range of solutions, including scanning legislation for plastic tax. All this will ensure you stay abreast of developments in current and new legislation, the circular economy and climate risk. We can also carry out an impact assessment on the logistics chain and an ESG metrics assessment, as well as perform assurance and reporting activities. All this can be used to develop and implement various methods, tools and frameworks with which we can better monitor and measure the risks and opportunities associated with plastic products and the climate. Would you like more information about our ESG Tax Services? Or do you need help developing a climate strategy or a review of legislation regarding plastic tax? [Contact the ESG team](https://www.meijburg.com/specialism/esg-tax-sustainability/contact-us). ## Links & Downloads - [ESG Tax Tracker](https://www.meijburg.nl/sites/default/files/2025-07/ESG%20Tax%20Tracker_ENG_July%202025.pdf) - [European Green Deal](https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2021/08/delivering-the-european-green-deal-and-fit-for-55-package.html) - [Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.](https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2021/09/plastic-tax.html) - [Article - Plastic taxes - A European perspective](https://www.meijburg.nl/sites/default/files/2022-12/plastic-taxes_eng_20221222_0.pdf) ## Frequently asked questions ### How is the plastic tax calculated? The calculation of the plastic tax can vary depending on the specific regulations in place. Generally, it is calculated based on the weight of the plastic used in a product. The exact rates and methods for calculating this tax are typically outlined in government legislation and guidelines. ### Which products are subject to the plastic tax? Products that fall under the plastic tax can include plastic packaging, disposable plastics, and other plastic products. The exact list of products may vary and is specified in the legislation. It is important to consult the most recent regulations to know which products are taxable. ### What are the consequences of non-compliance with the plastic tax? Non-compliance with the plastic tax can lead to additional costs, such as fines. It is important to adhere to the regulations. ### Are there subsidies or support measures for companies affected by the plastic tax? There may be subsidies or support measures available for companies that, for example, invest in the use of recycled plastics or sustainable alternatives. These can range from financial support to technical assistance and advice. It is advisable to explore the available options. ## Plastic tax specialists [ ![Merijn Betjes](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/person_search_result/public/2022-07/Merijn%20Betjes%20profiel.jpg) ](https://www.meijburg.com/about-us/our-people/merijn-betjes) [ Merijn Betjes ](https://www.meijburg.com/about-us/our-people/merijn-betjes) Partner betjes.merijn \[at\] kpmg.com [ Meijburg Amstelveen ](https://www.meijburg.com/keep-me-updated/contact-offices/meijburg-amstelveen) [ ![jorik](https://www.meijburg.com/sites/default/files/styles/person_search_result/public/2025-02/Jorik%20Jansen%20profiel.jpg) ](https://www.meijburg.com/about-us/our-people/jorik-jansen) [ Jorik Jansen ](https://www.meijburg.com/about-us/our-people/jorik-jansen) Tax Consultant jansen.jorik \[at\] kpmg.com [ Meijburg Amstelveen ](https://www.meijburg.com/keep-me-updated/contact-offices/meijburg-amstelveen) - [ ![Linkedin](https://www.meijburg.com/themes/custom/openworld/static/images/icon_linkedin.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.meijburg.com/markdownify/node/2169&title=Plastic Tax&source=https://www.meijburg.com/markdownify/node/2169 "Linkedin") - [ ![Email](https://www.meijburg.com/themes/custom/openworld/static/images/icon_email.svg) ](mailto:?subject=Plastic Tax&body=Check out this site https://www.meijburg.com/markdownify/node/2169 "Email") - [ ![Print](https://www.meijburg.com/themes/custom/openworld/static/images/icon_print.svg) ](# "Print") - [ ![whatsapp](https://www.meijburg.com/themes/custom/openworld/static/images/icon_whatsapp.svg) ](https://wa.me/?text=https://www.meijburg.com/markdownify/node/2169 "whatsapp")